Following a mixed performance at the Paris Olympics, USA Swimming is poised for significant leadership changes, according to sources cited by Sports Illustrated.
CEO Tim Hinchey and national team manager Lindsay Mintenko are anticipated to depart the organization soon, though no formal announcements have been made.
Despite the United States winning the most swimming medals at the Olympics (28) and securing the most golds (eight), these figures do not meet the high expectations set by previous American Olympic performances. This result represents the fewest U.S. swimming golds since 1988 and the lowest total medal count since 2004, even though there are now three additional events in the Olympic swimming program.
The lackluster performance follows a disappointing showing at the 2023 World Championships, where Australia led the gold-medal count 13–7. While some within the national swimming community had called for change after that meet, USA Swimming did not implement significant changes. With the upcoming Olympic cycle culminating in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, there is now increased pressure to improve performance.
Mintenko, who has served as national team manager since 2017, has reportedly informed colleagues of her intention to leave USA Swimming. As the person responsible for overseeing U.S. competitive performance, Mintenko’s recent results have made it difficult to maintain her position. Her lack of coaching experience and perceived leadership shortcomings have been noted by many within USA Swimming.
Hinchey, who has been CEO since 2017, faces a contract renewal decision in 2025. The board and Hinchey are expected to decide by September 30 whether to continue with a new deal, but indications suggest that exploring other options may be forthcoming.
Hinchey’s tenure included the relocation of the U.S. Olympic Trials from Omaha’s basketball arena to Indianapolis’s Lucas Oil Stadium, a move that garnered record crowds and positive reviews from swimmers. Despite this, Hinchey’s fate is closely tied to the U.S. swimming performance in Paris, which was described as uneven.
The women’s team had a strong showing, winning five gold medals. Individual golds were secured by Katie Ledecky in the 800-meter and 1,500 freestyles; Kate Douglass in the 200 breaststroke; and Torri Huske in the 100 butterfly. Additionally, Regan Smith, Lilly King, Gretchen Walsh, and Huske set a world record in the 400 medley relay on the final day.
In contrast, the men’s team faced challenges, nearly missing out on individual golds for the first time since 1900. Bobby Finke’s victory in the 1,500 free was the only individual gold, with the team also winning gold in the 400 freestyle relay. The silver medal in the 400 medley relay marked the first time in Olympic history that the U.S. did not win that event.
There has also been internal dissatisfaction within USA Swimming’s club membership and coaching ranks. The Coaches Advisory Council recently expressed a “lack of faith in our current USA Swimming leadership,” and the American Swim Coaches Association voiced similar concerns.
The selection of a new national team manager will be a critical decision. Bob Bowman, a highly accomplished coach who led Michael Phelps to 23 gold medals and recently coached French swimmer Leon Marchand to four golds, is not expected to be available. Bowman, who has just started as the director of swimming at Texas, is unlikely to leave the position.
